Music Matters: CJ Hilton

Meet soul singer CJ Hilton

From the Pulpit to the Booth - Hilton honed his skills singing in the church before making the transition to a more secular type of soul music.

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From the Pulpit to the Booth - Hilton honed his skills singing in the church before making the transition to a more secular type of soul music.

One Shot Deal - Through D.C.-based Backwoods Productions, CJ got to audition for music executive Tommy Mottola and later landed a deal with his Casablanca Records imprint under Capitol.

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One Shot Deal - Through D.C.-based Backwoods Productions, CJ got to audition for music executive Tommy Mottola and later landed a deal with his Casablanca Records imprint under Capitol.

Old to the New - CJ draws inspiration from classic soul singers like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye as well as contemporary R&B singers like R. Kelly and Usher.

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Old to the New - CJ draws inspiration from classic soul singers like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye as well as contemporary R&B singers like R. Kelly and Usher.

Behind the Boards - In addition to singing, CJ's also a producer who plays multiple instruments.

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Behind the Boards - In addition to singing, CJ's also a producer who plays multiple instruments.

First Impression - CJ's debut is scheduled to feature beats from A-list producers like Salaam Remi, Bangladesh and Raphael Saadiq.

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First Impression - CJ's debut is scheduled to feature beats from A-list producers like Salaam Remi, Bangladesh and Raphael Saadiq.

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Preparation - CJ does soundcheck at the Shrine Auditorium for the BET Awards.

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Preparation - CJ does soundcheck at the Shrine Auditorium for the BET Awards.

Music Matters - BET captures footage of CJ as he rehearses for his BET Awards performance.

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Music Matters - BET captures footage of CJ as he rehearses for his BET Awards performance.

Special Guests - Newcomer CJ sits in veteran R&B star Brandy's seat before the BET Awards.

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Special Guests - Newcomer CJ sits in veteran R&B star Brandy's seat before the BET Awards.

Showtime - CJ heads to the stage for his BET Awards performance.

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Showtime - CJ heads to the stage for his BET Awards performance.

Music Matters Week - CJ dropped by 106 & Park during Music Matters Week. - Photo by Andrecia Spence

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Music Matters Week - CJ dropped by 106 & Park during Music Matters Week. - Photo by Andrecia Spence

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106 Live - CJ performed live for the livest audience on TV. - Photo by Andrecia Spence

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106 Live - CJ performed live for the livest audience on TV. - Photo by Andrecia Spence

I Know You Got Soul - CJ serenades the 106 studo audience with his soulful voice. - Photo by Andrecia Spence

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I Know You Got Soul - CJ serenades the 106 studo audience with his soulful voice. - Photo by Andrecia Spence

106 & Park - Terrence and Rocsi interview CJ after his performance. - Photo by Andrecia Spence

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106 & Park - Terrence and Rocsi interview CJ after his performance. - Photo by Andrecia Spence